The Lowly Servant Cassandra was completely caught off-guard.
She hadnt expected that… Really? I know its shameless of me to be thinking about one of the Royal Princesses in such a way! I just… Ive always admired her since I was a little servant.
Lady Shareen is such a strong-willed woman, and she knows how to fight, too… I swear I am fine with admiring her secretly! Its just… I was a bit surprised by how quickly she seemed to like Lady Missandra… It was rare for Dahlia to open up her feelings like this.
Cassandra felt a bit sorry, as since she had found Missandra, she hadnt paid too much attention to Dahlia.
She chuckled and took her hand gently.
Its fine, Dahlia… I wish youd be more open to me like this.
Im glad I have you as a friend here.
A friend… Lady Cassandra, do you really think of a lowly servant like me as a friend? Cassandra was taken aback.
Not because of Dahlias reaction, but because her words echoed her own, not too long ago.
A lowly servant, or a lowly slave… It was something she would say often about herself, notably when her Prince tried to get his feelings across to her.
Now that she was thinking about it, their relationship had been so awkward and unprecedented from the start… Back when she was sitting against that throne, with some of his fur cloak covering her, she would have never guessed the position she would be standing in today… Dahlia, dont call yourself that.
You are no lowly servant.
You are a servant, and my friend, if youll accept.
The young womans eyes immediately got filled with tears, and she bowed profusely.
Thank you, madam! Ill treasure our friendship! Cassandra still felt like this was a bit different from what a friend should say, but she understood Dahlias long years of service in the Imperial Palace prevented her from saying what she wanted or changing her habits in a few days.
It would be a gradual change, most likely… Self-confidence couldnt be built in a few days after years of serving others.
About Missandra and Shareen… said Cassandra.
You know, I dont think they see each other in a romantic way.
My younger sister is a bit stubborn, I think Princess Shareen just enjoys watching her because she is entertaining.
She rarely sees someone of a lower rank rebel like Missandra does.
Princess Shareen is someone who enjoys strong characters, but from what I have seen, her lovers are more… submissive types.
Cassandra felt a bit shy talking about Shareens tastes, but after all, she had seen it first hand.
Their first meeting had left quite a strong impression on her, not necessarily in a good way.
However, since then, she had learned to understand Shareen a bit better.
The Princess was stubborn and hated when someone resisted her.
She enjoyed most teasing people she liked, like her brother… And lastly, she had very low standards of decency.
I see… said Dahlia, blushing a bit more.
I dont think my younger sister would be interested at all, either, added Cassandra with a sigh.
They bicker non-stop… Plus, though neither of them looks like it, Missandra is half Shareens age.
Indeed, sometimes, Cassandra wished her younger sister wouldnt act so defiant when she was just a sixteen years-old girl.
Missandra had grown too mature and stubborn, but if it wasnt for Cassandra, she wouldnt have survived in the Imperial Palace with such a behavior… I feel a bit bad for being jealous, said Dahlia.

Im already well aware that Princess Shareen has taken many lovers… The servants talk, you know.
I know she likes to play around, but somehow, since Lady Missandra was different from them all, I just got… a bit worried.
I guess it can be helped.
We feel jealous when someone gets close to our loved one… Is it the same for you, my Lady? Cassandra nodded.
They were slowly tending to all of iver plants, as Cassandra didnt really feel like going to the Celebrations yet.
Moreover, her Prince was busy at the moment, and she didnt want to go there without him.
So, she was just taking her time, taking care of her garden and collecting some leaves in the basket Dahlia carried for the first Princes decoction.
(2) Yes… I guess one can never feel at ease, she sighed.
You shouldnt! His Highness the Third Prince obviously only has eyes for you!.
Cassandra chuckled, picking another flower.
Thank you, Dahlia.
However, Cassandra somewhat discussing her personal feelings with someone else… It was part of her personality, she was still incredibly shy about her own relationships.
She felt like Kairen and her shared something she wouldnt have been able to share with anyone else.
Cassandra liked thinking of their bond as something… special.
A little while later, Missandra came back with a little smile.
Alright, I sent it! I hope they can answer soon.
I hope so too, said Cassandra.
We planned to leave to the Diamond Palace as soon as the New Year Celebrations are over.
So soon? They turned around.
Immediately, Cassandra frowned, pulling her younger sister.
Phetra was standing at the entrance of her indoor garden, with a nasty smirk.
She was wearing a very revealing purple dress, and a little golden diadem.
I believe you have no right to be here, your Highness, Said Cassandra.
No right? If a slave can be in the Imperial Palace, why cant a Princess be? Cassandra tried to remain calm and composed.
Phetra wouldnt be stupid enough to do something to her in the third Princes apartments, would she? Moreover, was she ever going to let go of the slavery thing? This was really getting old, even for her… Ah… I guess my older brother really went the full way for you, she said, glancing all over at Cassandras garden.
Calmly, she stepped forward and pushed one of the plant pots onto the floor, making it break on the ground.
Cassandra clenched her fist.
There really was no end to that womans childishness… Have you just come to mess around, Princess Phetra? She asked.
Well, I was bored… And hearing that you didnt have your usual pet around… I couldnt help but come and visit… She stepped forward, breaking yet two other pots.
Please stop! Yelled Dahlia.
Those plants are important to my Lady! Shut up, servant, retorted Phetra, crashing another pot onto the floor.

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I wonder if his Highness the Second Prince knows of your presence here? Said Cassandra.
Phetra froze.
Cassandra had hoped her brothers name would somewhat make her react, and she was right… She had noticed long ago how Vrehan was cold to everyone, including his concubines and sisters.
Phetra probably only had a very limited amount of trust and liberty from him, too.
Moreover, from what she had witnessed, the second Prince hated confronting Kairen or Shareen directly.
He had abandoned one of his concubines to her death because she had acted on her own with that snake.
Though he probably wouldnt want his sister dead, he certainly wouldnt see her actions in a good light either.
Any time Phetra had stirred up trouble or fought with Shareen, the Second Prince had stayed out of it, leaving Phetra in her mess.
Dont you dare talk about my brother! Growled Phetra.
Cassandra was scared of her, but not to the point she would step back and let Phetra act however she wanted.
Not in her garden, and moreover, this part of the Palace was part of Kairens apartments.
Half-siblings or not, she knew no Princess or Prince who wasnt Kareens child wasnt allowed here.
Those are my Princes apartments and my garden.
Please go back, said Cassandra.
Dont you give me orders, either! You know what? Actually, this gives me an opportunity.
I could have your head for acting up and thinking you can order an Imperial Princess around! I am his Highness The War Gods Concubine, retorted Cassandra in the coldest voice she could.
Dont think your threats can intimidate me any longer, Princess Phetra.
The Emperor… Oh? You want to go and cry to my Father now? Said Phetra.
She took the diadem she had on her head and threw it to Cassandras feet with a smirk.
See? I have dozens of those.
Do you think youre special because my father gifted you one? Dont you realize? Concubines like you are replaceable.
Do you think wearing a pink dress makes you even remotely close to an Imperial Princess? Youre wrong.
Youre a low-born, good for nothing… Good for nothing? Repeated Cassandra.
I think you keep misunderstanding something.
I am an Imperial Physician.
I contribute to this Kingdoms well-being.
One of those pots you just knocked over contained a plant to heal the First Princes cough.
Shall I tell his Highness Prince Sephir that I cant heal him now? Because Princess Phetra came over to act up in my herbal medicine garden? Phetra got red, staring at the mess at her feet, and glancing at Cassandra, unsure.
Youre lying… The first plant was blue limonea, a plant to improve blood flow, suddenly said Missandra.
The second one was demonis Helebora, a plant than whitens any fabric, and can be used as makeup.
The third one is wild chloriane, its flowers produce a perfume that helps clear the lungs impurities.

Youre a Princess and you dont even know this much? While Phetra, in awe, looked down at her feet, Cassandra turned to her sister.
Linue, stay out of this, said Cassandra in their mother tongue.
As if Id stay put and watch this snake woman insult my sister! Replied Missandra, annoyed.
How dare you talk to me, you low servant! Yelled Phetra, pissed off.
This low servant is more educated than this Highness, Missandra shout back.
Next time you can think about that before you come and destroy someone elses precious medicinal herbs on a whim! I want that servants head! Yelled Phetra, furious.
I will kill you now! She took out a little dagger, furious, and started walking towards them.
Cassandra was totally panicked.
She was no fighter, and anyway, none of them could injure a member of the Imperial Family without being punished or worse, executed.
Krai couldnt enter the garden, and Kairen was busy elsewhere.
She pulled Missandra and Dahlia behind her, hoping Phetra wouldnt dare attack her, a pregnant concubine.
As she kept stepping forward, Cassandra reacted by reflex.
She took on of the buckets at her feet and threw its content to Phetras face.
It was full of dirty water, one she had prepared with fertilizer for the plants.
As soon as the water hit her face, Phetra stopped and screamed horribly.
She tried to wipe the dirt off of her face, and in this short time, Cassandra slapped her hand for her to let go of her dagger.
The blade fell, and Missandra immediately took it away, dropping it in one of the fountains.
You….
Hissed Phetra, having managed to wipe some off of her face.
She lifted her hand to slap Cassandra, but the young Concubine wasnt going to stand still.
She was scary when she had a weapon, but without it, Phetra was nothing but a woman who was about Cassandras size, and certainly didnt have any fighters reflexes or speed.
In a hand movement, Cassandra pushed her hand away.
It was still a bit painful as Phetra slapped the back of her hand, but it was better than taking a slap in the face and doing nothing.
As her move had been blocked by Cassandra, the Princess looked even angrier, pointing a finger at her.
Youre dead! Youre as good as dead! You wont get away with this! She screamed as she stormed off.
A few seconds after she was gone, Cassandra let out a long sigh of relief and fell down on her knees.
Both Dahlia and Missandra jumped to her side, worried.
Hinue! My Lady, are you unwell! Its fine… I just got a bit too agitated.
I didnt think shed go away… Lady Cassandra… we will be in trouble… Lady Missandra, you shouldnt have gotten involved! What if Lady Cassandra is in danger because of you! In danger? That crazy Princess was here to stir trouble anyway! I wasnt going to stay still and watch her insult my sister calmly! Do you think it gets better if you let them mistreat you? It just gives them an excuse to be worse the next time! Enough, you two, sighed Cassandra.
Help me go to Lady Kareens apartments.
It will be safer before his Highness comes back…